Mies In London

A book about modernist architect Mies van der Rohe’s only design for the UK, a bronze tower and grand plaza in the heart of London. After decades of struggle, Mies’ plans for Mansion House Square were scuppered. In Thatcher’s Britain, popular opinion turned against modernism, Prince Charles criticised the work, and the government feared new public spaces. Stopped dead by an Inquiry, and mired in controversy, Mies’ masterpiece was all but erased.

Mies in London is the first book on this remarkable project, with 160 pages of unseen material.

“I want you to go all the way,” Palumbo said. “I want the lot, inside and out. I want door handles, ashtrays, lettershoots.”

“Very well,” Mies replied, “I’ll do it.”